St. Peter’s Catholic School spreads Christmas cheer

Madeline McMillion, principal of St. Peter’s Catholic School, was a major part of the Christmas program dressed as Mrs. Claus.

While other students were studying for exams, the children of St. Peter’s Catholic School were singing their hearts out. African drums, violins, cellos, and angelic voices filled St. Peter’s Church with Christmas music as proud parents, grandparents, and friends filled the pews.

The program was organized by Dr. Wendy Valerio, associate professor of music at USC and St. Peter’s Children’s Choir director. Valerio was assisted by St. Peter’s music teachers: Kristen Kirby, Heidi Hobus, and Hannah Gruber. The identity of the evening’s special guest remained a secret to the students until their principal, Madeline McMillion, dressed as Mrs. Claus, joined her students in the production.

As Mrs. Claus listened to her radio and reminisced, students sang a variety of songs including Mary’s Boy Child , Sleigh Ride , and Silent Night . Mrs. Claus danced while listening to Mary’s Boy Child and even grabbed a parent, Tom Jackman, from the crowd to dance with her.

Student performers at the St. Peter’s Catholic School Christmas program Photos by Jim Potash Teachers wearing Santa hats made a grand entrance in a sleigh, constructed by parent Bernie Flake, which was led by a camel and pulled by reindeer. The camel was manned by Phillip Hanna and Alex Barber and was led by Mylishia Blakley. The reindeer were Amy Thomas, Abby Jackman, Sarah Jackman, and Elisabeth Brown.

Of particular note was the appearance of the camel. The camel has appeared in St. Peter’s Christmas programs the last eight years. The teachers and audience members joined the students in singing Silent Night while the choir sang Cold Are the People . The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the play and showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.